Display panel and electronic device including the same

ABSTRACT

The display panel includes a display area including a pixel area, and a light blocking area which is adjacent to the pixel area, a first light emitting device which is in the pixel area of the display area and emits a light having a first wavelength range, a second light emitting device which is in the light blocking area of the display area and emits a light having a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range, and a discoloration layer which is on the second light emitting device and is color-changeable by the light having the second wavelength range, the discoloration layer defining a first opening exposing the pixel area to outside the discoloration layer.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.10-2021-0169041 filed on Nov. 30, 2021, and all the benefits accruingtherefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a display panel and an electronicdevice including the same. More specifically, the present disclosurerelates to a display panel capable of adjusting a viewing angle and anelectronic device including the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

A flat panel display device is used as a display device that substitutesfor a cathode ray tube display device, due to characteristics such aslight weight and thinness of the flat panel display device.Representative examples of such flat panel display devices include aliquid crystal display device and an organic light emitting displaydevice.

The display device includes a display panel and a panel driving unit. Ingeneral, the display panel is manufactured to have a wide viewing angle.

SUMMARY

A display panel having a wide viewing angle may allow contents on adisplay screen to be broadly visible from outside the display panel. Torestrict the contents of the display screen from being broadly visibleby the wide viewing angle, a display panel having both the wide viewingangle and a narrow viewing angle is being developed.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display panelcapable of adjusting a viewing angle.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronicdevice including the display panel.

However, the present disclosure is not limited by the above-mentionedobject, and may be variously expanded without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure.

In order to accomplish the above objects of the disclosure, a displaypanel according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes asubstrate including a display area having a pixel area and a lightblocking area, and a non-display area positioned around the displayarea, a first light emitting device in the pixel area, on the substrate,and configured to emit a light having a first wavelength range, a secondlight emitting device in the light blocking area, on the substrate, andconfigured to emit a light having a second wavelength range differentfrom the first wavelength range, and a discoloration layer on the secondlight emitting device, having a first opening configured to expose atleast a portion of the pixel area, and including a photochromic materialthat is discolored by the light having the second wavelength range.

According to an embodiment, the discoloration layer may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area in a plan view.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may further include afirst encapsulation layer configured to cover the first light emittingdevice. The second light emitting device may be on the firstencapsulation layer.

According to an embodiment, the first light emitting device may be anactive matrix type, and the second light emitting device may be apassive matrix type.

According to an embodiment, the first light emitting device may includea first pixel electrode, a first light emitting layer, and a firstcommon electrode. The second light emitting device may include a secondpixel electrode, a second light emitting layer, and a second commonelectrode. The second light emitting layer may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area in a plan view.

According to an embodiment, the second pixel electrode may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area in a plan view.

According to an embodiment, the second common electrode may entirelyoverlap the pixel area and the light blocking area in a plan view.

According to an embodiment, the second common electrode may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area in a plan view.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may further include afirst pixel defining layer under the first encapsulation layer andconfigured to expose a portion of the first pixel electrode, and asecond pixel defining layer on the first encapsulation layer andconfigured to expose a portion of the second pixel electrode.

According to an embodiment, the second pixel defining layer may havelight-transmitting properties and may overlap the pixel area.

According to an embodiment, the second pixel defining layer may beconfigured to expose at least a portion of the pixel area.

According to an embodiment, the first encapsulation layer may have astructure including at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and atleast one organic encapsulation layer.

According to an embodiment, the first encapsulation layer may have astructure including at least one first inorganic encapsulation layer andat least one second inorganic encapsulation layer having a refractiveindex different from a refractive index of the first inorganicencapsulation layer.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may further include afirst light blocking layer between the first encapsulation layer and thesecond light emitting device and having a second opening configured toexpose the pixel area.

According to an embodiment, a width of the first opening may be equal toa width of the second opening.

According to an embodiment, a width of the first opening may be smallerthan a width of the second opening.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may further include asecond encapsulation layer configured to cover the second light emittingdevice. The discoloration layer may be on the second encapsulationlayer.

According to an embodiment, the second light emitting device may be onthe same layer as the first light emitting device.

According to an embodiment, the first light emitting device may be anactive matrix type, and the second light emitting device may be apassive matrix type.

According to an embodiment, each of the first light emitting device andthe second light emitting device may be an active matrix type.

According to an embodiment, the first light emitting device may includea first pixel electrode, a first light emitting layer, and a firstcommon electrode. The second light emitting device may include a secondpixel electrode, a second light emitting layer, and a second commonelectrode. The first light emitting layer may overlap the pixel area,and the second light emitting layer may overlap the light blocking areawhile being spaced apart from the first light emitting layer.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may further include afirst encapsulation layer configured to cover the first light emittingdevice and the second light emitting device, a first light blockinglayer on the first encapsulation layer and configured to expose each ofthe first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer, anda planarization layer configured to cover the first light blockinglayer. The discoloration layer may be on the planarization layer,overlap the second light emitting layer, and expose the first lightemitting layer.

According to an embodiment, the display panel may further include asecond light blocking layer on the discoloration layer and configured totransmit the light having the first wavelength range and to block thelight having the second wavelength range.

In order to accomplish the above objects of the disclosure, a displaypanel according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes asubstrate including a display area having a pixel area and a lightblocking area, and a non-display area positioned around the displayarea, a first light emitting device including a first pixel electrode onthe substrate, a first common electrode on the first pixel electrode,and a first light emitting layer between the first pixel electrode andthe first common electrode, configured to overlap the pixel area, andconfigured to emit a light having a first wavelength range, a secondlight emitting device including a second pixel electrode on thesubstrate, a second common electrode on the second pixel electrode, anda second light emitting layer between the second pixel electrode and thesecond common electrode, configured to overlap the light blocking area,and configured to emit a light having a second wavelength range, and adiscoloration layer on the second light emitting device, having anopening configured to expose at least a portion of the pixel area, andincluding a photochromic material that is discolored by the light havingthe second wavelength range.

In order to accomplish the other objects of the disclosure, anelectronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosureincludes a display panel configured to display an image, a circuit boardconnected to the display panel and configured to control an operation ofthe display panel, a window on the display panel to cover a frontsurface of the display panel, and a housing that provides a space foraccommodating the display panel. The display panel may include asubstrate including a display area having a pixel area and a lightblocking area, and a non-display area positioned around the displayarea, a first light emitting device in the pixel area, on the substrate,and configured to emit a light having a first wavelength range, a secondlight emitting device in the light blocking area, on the substrate, andconfigured to emit a light having a second wavelength range differentfrom the first wavelength range, and a discoloration layer on the secondlight emitting device, having a first opening configured to expose atleast a portion of the pixel area, and including a photochromic materialthat is discolored by the light having the second wavelength range.

According to an embodiment, the circuit board may include a firstdriving unit configured to control an operation of the first lightemitting device, and a second driving unit configured to control anoperation of the second light emitting device.

According to an embodiment, the window may be configured to transmit thelight having the first wavelength range and to block the light havingthe second wavelength range.

The display panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure mayinclude the first light emitting device and the second light emittingdevice. The first light emitting device can emit the first light (forexample, visible light) for displaying an image. The second lightemitting device can emit the second light (for example, ultravioletlight) for switching a mode between a wide viewing angle mode and anarrow viewing angle mode. Accordingly, the viewing angle of the displaypanel can be adjusted without attaching a separate optical film. Inaddition, when the display panel is in the narrow viewing angle mode,only a portion of the first light emitted from each pixel with a viewingangle greater than or equal to a predetermined angle can be blocked, andother portions of the first light having a viewing angle less than apredetermined angle can be emitted to the outside of the display panel.Accordingly, the resolution of the display panel cannot be deterioratedeven in the narrow viewing angle mode.

In addition, the first light emitting device and the second lightemitting device can be in the display area of the display panel.Accordingly, an additional configuration (for example, a light guideplate, a low refractive index layer, a scattering pattern, or the like)required to transmit the second light to the display area may not berequired.

However, the effect of the present disclosure is not limited to theabove-described effect, and may be variously extended without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other advantages and features of this disclosure willbecome more apparent by describing in further detail embodiments thereofwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a display panel according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a display area of thedisplay panel shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a first pixel defining layer and afirst light emitting layer included in the display panel of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a second pixel defining layer and asecond light emitting layer included in the display panel of FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 6A and 6B are sectional views for explaining an operation of thedisplay panel of FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 7 to 9 are sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing(or providing) the display panel of FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 10A to 10D are plan views illustrating an example of a method offorming (or providing) the second light emitting layer of FIG. 8 .

FIGS. 11A and 11B are plan views illustrating an example of the methodof forming the second light emitting layer of FIG. 8 .

FIGS. 12A and 12B are plan views illustrating an example of the methodof forming the second light emitting layer of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating a display panel according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating a display panel according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating a display panel according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an example in which the electronic deviceof FIG. 16 is implemented as a smartphone.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device of FIG.17 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments areshown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms,and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forthherein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of theinvention to those skilled in the art.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described inmore detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same orsimilar reference numerals will be used for the same components in theaccompanying drawings. As used herein, a reference number may indicate asingular element or a plurality of the element. For example, a referencenumber labeling a singular form of an element within the drawing figuresmay be used to reference a plurality of the singular element within thetext of specification.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as beingrelated to another element such as being “on” another element, it can bedirectly on the other element or intervening elements may be presenttherebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as beingrelated to another element such as being “directly on” another element,there are no intervening elements present.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”“third” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer or section from another element, component, region, layer orsection. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or“section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein,“a”, “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not denote a limitation ofquantity, and are intended to include both the singular and plural,unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “anelement” has the same meaning as “at least one element,” unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to beconstrued as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items. It will be further understood that theterms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or“top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understoodthat relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. Forexample, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elementsdescribed as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then beoriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The term “lower,” cantherefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,”depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if thedevice in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as“below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” theother elements. The terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompassboth an orientation of above and below.

“About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the statedvalue and means within an acceptable range of deviation for theparticular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art,considering the measurement in question and the error associated withmeasurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of themeasurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or morestandard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10% or 5% of the stated value.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It willbe further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and thepresent disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross sectionillustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments.As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result,for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments described herein should not be construed aslimited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein butare to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flatmay, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharpangles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are notintended to limit the scope of the present claims.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a display panel DP according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan viewillustrating a display area DA of the display panel DP shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to an embodiment, a display panelDP (or a substrate SUB included in the display panel DP) may include adisplay area DA and a non-display area NDA. An image may be displayed inthe display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be located adjacent toor around the display area DA. For example, the non-display area NDA maysurround the display area DA in a plan view. The display panel DP andvarious components or layers thereof may be disposed in a plane definedby a first direction and a second direction crossing each other. A thirddirection which crosses the plane (and the first and second directions)may define a thickness direction of the display panel DP and variouscomponents or layers thereof. A plan view may be in (or along) the thirddirection, or otherwise in (or along) a direction crossing a plane.Various components or layers of the display panel DP may include thedisplay area DA and the non-display area NDA described herein.

The display area DA may include a plurality of pixel areas and a lightblocking area BA. The light blocking areas BA may surround each of thepixel areas in a plan view.

As a light emitting element, a first light emitting device LED1 (of FIG.3 ) may be disposed in each of the pixel areas. The first light emittingdevices LED1 may emit a light having a first wavelength range(hereinafter, referred to as a first light L1). In an embodiment, thefirst light L1 may be a visible light, and any one of a red light, agreen light, and a blue light may be emitted from each of the pixelareas. For example, the first wavelength range may include a wavelengthrange of the red light (for example, about 640 nanometers (nm) to about780 nm), a wavelength range of the green light (for example, about 490nm to about 570 nm), and a wavelength range of the blue light (forexample, about 450 nm to about 480 nm).

In an embodiment, the display area DA may include first to third pixelareas PA1, PA2, and PA3 that emit lights of different colors. That is,the first light emitting devices LED1 that emit lights of differentcolors may be disposed in the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, andPA3, respectively. For example, the first light emitting device LED1that emits a red light may be disposed in the first pixel area PA1, thefirst light emitting device LED1 that emits a green light may bedisposed in the second pixel area PA2, and the first light emittingdevice LED1 that emits a blue light may be disposed in the third pixelarea PA3. The image may be generated by combining the red light, greenlight, and blue light respectively emitted from the first to third pixelareas PA1, PA2, and PA3.

The first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 may be repeatedlyarranged in the display area DA. Although FIG. 2 illustrates that thefirst to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 are arranged in a PENTILE™type, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, thefirst to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 may be arranged in a stripetype.

The light blocking area BA may surround each of the first to third pixelareas PA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the light blocking area BA may have a grid shape in a plan view.

In an embodiment, a light blocking layer (for example, the first lightblocking layer BL1 of FIG. 3 ) may be disposed in the light blockingarea BA. For example, the light blocking layer may include a blackmatrix. The light blocking layer may prevent the red light, green light,and blue light emitted from the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, andPA3 from being mixed with each other.

As a light emitting element, a second light emitting device (forexample, a second light emitting device LED2 of FIG. 3 ) may be disposedin the light blocking area BA. For example, the second light emittingdevice LED2 may be disposed on the black matrix layer (for example, afirst light blocking layer BL1 of FIG. 3 ). The second light emittingdevice LED2 may emit a light having a second wavelength range(hereinafter, referred to as a second light L2) different from the firstwavelength range. For example, the second wavelength range may be lessthan about 450 nm or greater than about 780 nm. For example, the secondlight L2 may be ultraviolet or infrared ray, but the present disclosureis not limited thereto.

The display panel DP may be driven in a first mode or a second modeaccording to a preset condition. The first mode of the display panel DPmay be a mode for implementing a wide viewing angle, and the second modeof the display panel DP may be a mode for implementing a narrow viewingangle relative to the wide viewing angle. In the first mode and thesecond mode of the display panel DP, a viewing angle of the displaypanel DP may be adjusted according to whether the second light emittingdevice LED2 emits light. That is, the display panel DP has a viewingangle which is adjustable, the display panel DP has a first mode inwhich the viewing angle is wide and the display panel DP has a secondmode in which the viewing angle is narrower than the viewing angle inthe first mode. This will be described below in detail with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line of FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a planview illustrating a first pixel defining layer PDL1 and a first lightemitting layer EL1 included in the display panel DP of FIG. 3 . FIG. 5is a plan view illustrating a second pixel defining layer PDL2 and asecond light emitting layer EL2 included in the display panel DP of FIG.3 . For example, FIGS. 4 and 5 may correspond to the plan view of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 , according to an embodiment, the displaypanel DP may include a substrate SUB, a transistor TR, an insulatingstructure IL (e.g., insulating layer), a first light emitting deviceLED1, a first pixel defining layer PDL1, a first encapsulation layerEC1, a first light blocking layer BL1, a second light emitting deviceLED2, a second pixel defining layer PDL2, a second encapsulation layerEC2, and a discoloration layer PL.

Each of the first light emitting device LED1 and the second lightemitting device LED2 may include an organic light emitting diode, aninorganic light emitting diode, a quantum dot light emitting diode, orthe like, as a light emitting element. Hereinafter, the description willbe made based on an example in which each of the first light emittingdevice LED1 and the second light emitting device LED2 is an organiclight emitting diode, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The substrate SUB may be an insulating substrate formed of (orincluding) a transparent or opaque material. In an embodiment, thesubstrate SUB may include glass. In this case, the display panel DP maybe a rigid display panel. In an embodiment, the substrate SUB mayinclude plastic. In this case, the display panel DP may be a flexibledisplay panel.

A plurality of first light emitting devices LED1 may be disposed in thedisplay area DA, on the substrate SUB. The first light emitting devicesLED1 may be disposed in the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, andPA3, on the substrate SUB, respectively.

In an embodiment, the first light emitting devices LED1 may be an activematrix (AM) type. That is, each of the first light emitting devices LED1may be electrically connected to at least one transistor TR. Thetransistor TR may control the corresponding first light emitting deviceLED1 based on a driving signal provided from a first driving unit (notshown). For example, the first driving unit may be disposed in thenon-display area NDA, on the substrate SUB.

The transistor TR may be disposed in the display area DA, on thesubstrate SUB, and may be covered with the insulating structure IL. Achannel layer of the transistor TR may include an oxide semiconductor, asilicon semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, or the like. Forexample, the oxide semiconductor may include at least one oxide ofindium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V),hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium(Ti), and zinc (Zn). The silicon semiconductor may include amorphoussilicon, polycrystalline silicon, or the like. The insulating structureIL may include an inorganic insulating layer, an organic insulatinglayer, or a combination thereof.

Each of the first light emitting devices LED1 may include a first pixelelectrode PE1, a first light emitting layer EL1, and a first commonelectrode CE1.

The first pixel electrode PE1 may be disposed on the insulatingstructure IL. The first pixel electrode PE1 may include a conductivematerial such as a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal nitride, aconductive metal oxide, or a transparent conductive material. The firstpixel electrode PE1 may be electrically connected to the transistor TRthrough a contact hole formed in (or provided in) the insulatingstructure IL.

In an embodiment, the plurality of first pixel electrodes PE1 may bedisposed in the form of an island pattern (e.g., a discrete shape orpattern) and overlap (or corresponding to) the first to third pixelareas PA1, PA2, and PA3, respectively, in a plan view.

The first pixel defining layer PDL1 may be disposed on the first pixelelectrode PE1. The first pixel defining layer PDL1 may include anorganic insulating material. Examples of the organic insulating materialinclude photoresist, polyacryl-based resin, polyimide-based resin,polyamide-based resin, siloxane-based resin, acryl-based resin,epoxy-based resin, or the like. The above elements may be used alone orin combination with each other. In an embodiment, the first pixeldefining layer PDL1 may further include a light blocking material suchas a black pigment, a black dye, or a carbon black.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the first pixel defininglayer PDL1 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the lightblocking area BA, in a plan view. That is, the first pixel defininglayer PDL1 may have a planar shape (e.g., in a plan view) of a latticeshape surrounding each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, andPA3 in a plan view.

The first pixel defining layer PDL1 may expose a portion (for example, acentral portion) of the first pixel electrode PE1 to outside the firstpixel defining layer PDL1. For example, the first pixel defining layerPDL1 may have (or define) a first pixel opening OPD1 configured toexpose a portion of the first pixel electrode PE1. Each of the first tothird pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 may be defined by the first pixelopening OPD1 defined by the first pixel defining layer PDL1.

The first light emitting layer EL1 may be disposed on the first pixelelectrode PE1. The first light emitting layer EL1 may be disposed on theportion of the first pixel electrode PE1 exposed by the first pixelopening OPD1 of the first pixel defining layer PDL1.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the plurality of firstlight emitting layers EL1 may be disposed in the form of an islandpattern and overlap the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3,respectively, in a plan view.

The first light emitting layer EL1 may include an organic light emittingmaterial that emits the first light L1 having the first wavelengthrange. The organic light emitting material may emit any one of the redlight, green light, and blue light. For example, the first lightemitting layer EL1 disposed in the first pixel area PA1 may include anorganic light emitting material that emits the red light, the firstlight emitting layer EL1 disposed in the second pixel area PA2 mayinclude an organic light emitting material that emits the green light,and the first light emitting layer EL1 disposed in the third pixel areaPA3 may include an organic light emitting material that emits the bluelight.

The first common electrode CE1 may be disposed on the first lightemitting layer EL1. The first common electrode CE1 may include aconductive material and may have light-transmitting properties. Forexample, the first common electrode CE1 may include a transparentconductive material such as an indium tin oxide (ITO). As anotherexample, the first common electrode CE1 may include gold (Au), silver(Ag), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti),palladium (Pd), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium(Cr), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), copper (Cu) or an alloy containing atleast one of the above elements. As a specific example, the first commonelectrode CE1 may include Ag:Mg. When the first common electrode CE1includes a metal or an alloy, the first common electrode CE1 may beconfigured with a thin thickness (for example, a thickness of about 10nm or less) to have a light-transmitting property.

The first common electrode CE1 may also be disposed on the first pixeldefining layer PDL1. In an embodiment, the first common electrode CE1may entirely overlap (e.g., may overlap or correspond to an entirety of)the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 and the light blockingarea BA.

The first encapsulation layer EC1 may cover the first light emittingdevice LED1. The first encapsulation layer EC1 may entirely overlap thefirst to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 and the light blocking areaBA.

In an embodiment, the first encapsulation layer EC1 may have a structurein which at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer arestacked on each other (e.g., facing each other). For example, the firstencapsulation layer EC1 may have a structure in which a first inorganicencapsulation layer EC1-1, an organic encapsulation layer EC1-2, and asecond inorganic encapsulation layer EC1-3 are alternately stacked.

The first light blocking layer BL1 may be disposed on the firstencapsulation layer EC1. The first light blocking layer BL1 may bedisposed between the first encapsulation layer EC1 and the second lightemitting device LED2. The first light blocking layer BL1 may include anorganic material such as a photoresist and a light blocking materialsuch as a black pigment, a black dye, or a carbon black. For example,the first light blocking layer BL1 may include a black matrix.

In an embodiment, the first light blocking layer BL1 may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area BA in a plan view.That is, the first light blocking layer BL1 may have a lattice shapesurrounding each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 ina plan view. The first light blocking layer BL1 may prevent the redlight, green light, and blue light emitted from the first to third pixelareas PA1, PA2, and PA3 from being mixed with each other.

The first light blocking layer BL1 may have a light blocking layeropening OPB configured to expose each of the first to third pixel areasPA1, PA2, and PA3 to outside the first light blocking layer BL1. Thelight blocking layer opening OPB of the first light blocking layer BL1may correspond to a first pixel opening OPD1 of the first pixel defininglayer PDL1.

A dimension (e.g., a width) of a feature may be taken in a directionalong a plane, such as along the substrate SUB. In an embodiment, awidth of the light blocking layer opening OPB of the first lightblocking layer BL1 may be substantially the same as a width of the firstpixel opening OPD1 of the first pixel defining layer PDL1. In anembodiment, a width of the light blocking layer opening OPB of the firstlight blocking layer BL1 may be greater than a width of the first pixelopening OPD1 of the first pixel defining layer PDL1. That is, a width ofthe first light blocking layer BL1 may be smaller than a width of apattern in the first pixel defining layer PDL1.

The second light emitting device LED2 may be disposed on the first lightblocking layer BL1. That is, the second light emitting device LED2 maybe disposed on the first encapsulation layer EC1. In other words, thesecond light emitting device LED2 may be spaced apart from the firstlight emitting device LED1 along the thickness direction with the firstencapsulation layer EC1 interposed therebetween. The second lightemitting device LED2 may be further from the substrate SUB than thefirst light emitting device LED1, so as to be in different planes fromeach other (e.g., non-coplanar). For example, the second light emittingdevice LED2 may entirely overlap the light blocking area BA.

In an embodiment, the second light emitting device LED2 may be a passivematrix (PM) type. The second light emitting device LED2 may include asecond pixel electrode PE2, a second light emitting layer EL2, and asecond common electrode CE2.

The second pixel electrode PE2 may be disposed on the first lightblocking layer BL1. The second pixel electrode PE2 may include aconductive material.

In an embodiment, the second pixel electrode PE2 may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area BA in a plan view.That is, the second pixel electrode PE2 may have a lattice shapesurrounding each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 ina plan view.

In an embodiment, the second pixel electrode PE2 may include atransparent conductive material such as an indium tin oxide (ITO).

In an embodiment, the second pixel electrode PE2 may include aconductive material such as an opaque metal or an alloy. In this case,the first light blocking layer BL1 may be omitted, and the second pixelelectrode PE2 may serve to prevent the red light, green light, and bluelight emitted from the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 frombeing mixed with each other.

The second pixel defining layer PDL2 may be disposed on the second pixelelectrode PE2. The second pixel defining layer PDL2 may include anorganic insulating material. The second pixel defining layer PDL2 mayexpose a portion of the second pixel electrode PE2 to outside the secondpixel defining layer PDL2. For example, the second pixel defining layerPDL2 may have a second pixel opening OPD2 configured to expose a portionof the second pixel electrode PE2 to outside the second pixel defininglayer PDL2.

In an embodiment, the second pixel opening OPD2 of the second pixeldefining layer PDL2 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of thelight blocking area BA in a plan view. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and5 , the second pixel defining layer PDL2 may be disposed in the form ofan island pattern and overlap the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2,and PA3, respectively, in a plan view.

The second light emitting layer EL2 may be disposed on the second pixelelectrode PE2. The second light emitting layer EL2 may be disposed onthe portion of the second pixel electrode PE2 exposed by the secondpixel opening OPD2 of the second pixel defining layer PDL2. The secondlight emitting layer EL2 may include an organic light emitting materialthat emits the second light L2 having the second wavelength range.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 , the second light emittinglayer EL2 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the lightblocking area BA in a plan view. That is, the second light emittinglayer EL2 may have a lattice shape surrounding each of the first tothird pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view.

The second common electrode CE2 may be disposed on the second lightemitting layer EL2. The second common electrode CE2 may include aconductive material and may have light-transmitting properties. Forexample, the second common electrode CE2 may include a transparentconductive material such as an indium tin oxide (ITO). As anotherexample, the second common electrode CE2 may include a metal such as Au,Ag, Al, Pt, Ni, Ti, Pd, Mg, Ca, Li, Cr, Ta, W, Cu, or an alloy of atleast one of the above element. As a specific example, the second commonelectrode CE2 may include Ag:Mg. When the second common electrode CE2includes a metal or an alloy, the second common electrode CE2 may beconfigured with a thin thickness (for example, a thickness of about 10nm or less) to have a light-transmitting property.

The second common electrode CE2 may also be disposed on the second pixeldefining layer PDL2. In an embodiment, the second common electrode CE2may entirely overlap the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3and the light blocking area BA.

The second light emitting device LED2 may emit the second light L2 basedon a driving signal provided from a second driving unit (not shown). Inan embodiment, the second driving unit may control the second lightemitting device LED2 to selectively emit the second light L2 only in thesecond mode. For example, the second driving unit may be disposed in thenon-display area NDA, on the substrate SUB.

The second encapsulation layer EC2 may cover the second light emittingdevice LED2. The second encapsulation layer EC2 may entirely overlap thefirst to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 and the light blocking areaBA.

In an embodiment, the second encapsulation layer EC2 may have astructure in which at least one inorganic layer and at least one organiclayer are stacked on each other. For example, the second encapsulationlayer EC2 may have a structure in which a third inorganic encapsulationlayer EC2-1, an organic encapsulation layer EC2-2, and a fourthinorganic encapsulation layer EC2-3 are alternately stacked with eachother.

The discoloration layer PL may be disposed on the second encapsulationlayer EC2. The discoloration layer PL may include a photochromicmaterial that is discolored by the second light L2 (for example,ultraviolet light) having the second wavelength range. That is, thediscoloration layer PL may be color-changeable or include a materialhaving a color which is changeable to be discolored. The discolorationlayer PL which has the color (e.g., a first state) transmits light,while the discoloration layer PL with is discolored from the color(e.g., a second state) absorbs or blocks light. The photochromicmaterial may not be discolored by the first light L1 (for example,visible light) having the first wavelength range. In addition, thephotochromic material may transmit the first light L1 in a state inwhich the photochromic material is not discolored by the second lightL2. The photochromic material may absorb the first light L1 to block thetransmission of the first light L1 in a state in which the photochromicmaterial is discolored by the second light L2. For example, thephotochromic material may have a transmittance of about 10% or less withrespect to the first light L1 in a state in which the photochromicmaterial is discolored by the second light L2. For example, thephotochromic material may include azobenzene, spiropyran, diallylethene,or the like, but these elements are illustrative purposes only and thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the discoloration layer PL may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area BA in a plan view.That is, the discoloration layer PL may have a lattice shape surroundingeach of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view.For example, the first pixel defining layer PDL1, the first lightblocking layer BL1, the second pixel electrode PE2, the second lightemitting layer EL2, and the discoloration layer PL may have shapescorresponding to each other in a plan view. Solid portions of the firstpixel defining layer PDL1, the first light blocking layer BL1, thesecond pixel electrode PE2, the second light emitting layer EL2, and thediscoloration layer PL may define patterns (e.g., a light blockingpattern provided in plural) which are aligned with each other along thethickness direction. The discoloration layer PL may be furthest fromlight emitting elements among light blocking patterns provided by thefirst light blocking layer BL1, the second pixel electrode PE2 and thesecond light emitting layer EL2.

The discoloration layer PL may have a color-changeable layer opening OPPthat exposes each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 tooutside the discoloration layer PL. The color-changeable layer openingOPP of the discoloration layer PL may correspond to the first pixelopening OPD1 of the first pixel defining layer PDL1 and the lightblocking layer opening OPB of the first light blocking layer BL1.

In an embodiment, a width of the color-changeable layer opening OPP ofthe discoloration layer PL may be substantially the same as a width ofthe light blocking layer opening OPB of the first light blocking layerBL1.

In an embodiment, a width of the color-changeable layer opening OPP ofthe discoloration layer PL may be smaller than a width of the lightblocking layer opening OPB of the first light blocking layer BL1. Thatis, a pattern (e.g., solid portion) of the width of the discolorationlayer PL may be greater than the width of the first light blocking layerBL1. For example, the discoloration layer PL may expose a centralportion of each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3, andmay overlap a peripheral portion of each of the first to third pixelareas PA1, PA2, and PA3. In this case, in the second mode in which thediscoloration layer PL is discolored by the second light L2 to implementa narrow viewing angle, the viewing angle of the display panel DP may befurther narrowed.

In an embodiment, the display panel DP may further include aplanarization layer OC that covers the discoloration layer PL and thesecond encapsulation layer EC2. The planarization layer OC may includean organic material. The planarization layer OC may provide asubstantially flat top surface.

In an embodiment, the display panel DP may further include a secondlight blocking layer BL2 disposed on the discoloration layer PL. Thesecond light blocking layer BL2 may selectively block the second lightL2 having the second wavelength range. That is, the second lightblocking layer BL2 may transmit the first light L1 having the firstwavelength range. The second light blocking layer BL2 may prevent thesecond light L2 emitted from the second light emitting device LED2 frombeing emitted to the outside of the display panel DP. For example, thesecond light blocking layer BL2 may be disposed on the planarizationlayer OC.

In an embodiment, the second light blocking layer BL2 may have adistributed Bragg reflector (DBR) structure. For example, the secondlight blocking layer BL2 may have a structure in which at least onefirst inorganic layer and at least one second inorganic layer which hasa refractive index different from that of the first inorganic layer, arestacked.

In an embodiment, the second light blocking layer BL2 may have astructure in which a blocking material such as metal oxide particles orbenzoxazine particles is dispersed in an organic layer. For example, themetal oxide may include a zinc oxide (ZnOx). The zinc oxide (ZnOx) maybe a zinc oxide (ZnO) and/or a zinc peroxide (ZnO2).

In an embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, the display panelDP may further include various functional layers (for example, a touchsensing layer, a color filter layer, a polarizing layer, a window, orthe like) disposed on the second encapsulation layer EC2.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are sectional views for explaining an operation of thedisplay panel DP of FIG. 3 . For example, each of FIGS. 6A and 6B maycorrespond to the sectional view of FIG. 3 .

Hereinafter, an operation of the display panel DP in the first mode forimplementing a wide viewing angle and the second mode for implementing anarrow viewing angle will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and6B.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the display panel DP may be driven in the firstmode for implementing the wide viewing angle. In the first mode, thefirst driving unit may drive the first light emitting device LED1, andthe second driving unit may not drive the second light emitting deviceLED2. Accordingly, a first light L1 (for example, visible light) havingthe first wavelength range may be emitted from the first light emittingdevice LED1, and a second light L2 having the second wavelength rangemay not be emitted from the second light emitting device LED2.Accordingly, the discoloration layer PL may not be discolored. Thus, thediscoloration layer PL may transmit the first light L1. That is, thefirst light L1 emitted from each of the first to third pixel areas PA1,PA2, and PA3 may be emitted to the outside of the display panel DPwithout being blocked by the discoloration layer PL. Accordingly, thedisplay panel DP may display an image with a wide viewing angle. Thatis, the discoloration layer PL which has the color (e.g., is notdiscolored) and disposes the display panel DP having a changeableviewing angle to have a wide viewing angle.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the display panel DP may be switched to the secondmode for implementing a narrow viewing angle. In the second mode, thesecond driving unit may drive the second light emitting device LED2.Accordingly, the second light L2 may be emitted from the second lightemitting device LED2. In this case, the discoloration layer PL may bediscolored by the second light L2. Thus, among the first light L1emitted from each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3, afirst-sub light L1 a travelling toward the discoloration layer PL may beblocked by the discoloration layer PL. Among the first light L1 emittedfrom each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3, asecond-sub light L1 b travelling toward the color-changeable layeropening OPP of the discoloration layer PL may be emitted to the outsideof the display panel DP without being blocked by colored-changed patternof the discoloration layer PL. An angle of the first-sub light L1 a isgreater than an angle of the second-sub light L1 b. That is, when thedisplay panel DP is driven in the second mode, the discoloration layerPL may block a first-sub light L1 a having a viewing angle greater thanor equal to a predetermined angle among the first light L1 emitted fromeach of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3. Accordingly,the display panel DP may display an image with a narrow viewing angle.Therefore, the discoloration layer PL which is discolored disposes thedisplay panel DP having a changeable viewing angle to have a narrowviewing angle.

When the display panel DP is switched back to the first mode forimplementing a wide viewing angle (FIG. 6A), the second driving unit maynot drive the second light emitting device LED2. Accordingly, the secondlight L2 is not emitted from the second light emitting device LED2, andthe color of the discoloration layer PL may be restored to the originalcolor or state thereof. Therefore, the discoloration layer PL maytransmit the first light L1 again, and the display panel DP may displayan image again with a wide viewing angle.

FIGS. 7 to 9 are sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing(or providing) the display panel DP of FIG. 3 .

Hereinafter, the method of manufacturing (or providing) the displaypanel DP of FIG. 3 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 7to 9 , and repeated descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the transistor TR may be formed (or provided) inthe display area DA, on the substrate SUB, and the insulating structureIL that covers the transistor TR may be formed. Subsequently, a contacthole may be formed (or defined) in the insulating structure IL tooverlap the transistor TR.

The first pixel electrode PE1 may be formed to overlap the contact hole.In an embodiment, a conductive layer may be formed on the insulatingstructure IL using a conductive material. Next, the conductive layer maybe partially removed to form the first pixel electrode PE1 that overlapseach of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3. In anembodiment, the first pixel electrode PE1 may be formed by a sputteringprocess using a fine metal mask (FMM), or the like. Hereinafter, thefine metal mask will be referred to as a mask for the purpose ofconvenience.

The first pixel defining layer PDL1 may be formed on the first pixelelectrode PE1. The first pixel defining layer PDL1 may be formed usingan organic insulating material. Next, the first pixel defining layerPDL1 may be partially removed to form the first pixel opening OPD1 thatexposes a portion (for example, a central portion) of the first pixelelectrode PE1.

The first light emitting layer EL1 may be formed in the first pixelopening OPD1 of the first pixel defining layer PDL1. In an embodiment,the first light emitting layer EL1 may be formed through a depositionprocess using a mask. For example, the first light emitting layer EL1may be formed by sequentially depositing an organic light emittingmaterial that emits the red light by using a first mask having throughholes overlapping the first pixel areas PA1, respectively, an organiclight emitting material that emits the green light by using a secondmask having through holes overlapping the second pixel areas PA2,respectively, and an organic light emitting material that emits the bluelight by using a third mask having through holes overlapping the thirdpixel areas PA3, respectively.

In an embodiment, the first light emitting layer EL1 may be formed byinkjet printing, laser induced thermal imaging (LITI), or the like.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the first common electrode CE1 and the firstencapsulation layer EC1 may be formed on the first light emitting layerEL1 and the first pixel defining layer PDL1.

Subsequently, the first light blocking layer BL1 may be formed on thefirst encapsulation layer EC1. In an embodiment, the first lightblocking layer BL1 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of thelight blocking area BA in a plan view. That is, the first light blockinglayer BL1 may have a lattice shape surrounding each of the first tothird pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the first light blocking layer BL1 may be entirelyformed on the first encapsulation layer EC1 by using an organic materialsuch as a photoresist and a light blocking material such as a blackpigment, a black dye, a carbon black, or the like. Next, the first lightblocking layer BL1 may be partially removed to form a light blockinglayer opening OPB that exposes each of the first to third pixel areasPA1, PA2, and PA3.

Then, the second pixel electrode PE2 may be formed on the first lightblocking layer BL1. In an embodiment, the second pixel electrode PE2 mayhave a shape corresponding to a shape of the light blocking area BA in aplan view. That is, the second pixel electrode PE2 may have a latticeshape surrounding each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, andPA3 in a plan view.

In an embodiment, a conductive layer may be formed on the firstencapsulation layer EC1 and the first light blocking layer BL1 using aconductive material. Next, the conductive layer may be partially removedto form the second pixel electrode PE2 surrounding each of the first tothird pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3. In an embodiment, the second pixelelectrode PE2 may be formed by a sputtering process using a mask, or thelike. In this case, the second pixel electrode PE2 may be formed by amethod substantially the same as or similar to the method of forming thesecond light emitting layer EL2, which will be described below withreference to FIGS. 10A to 12B.

Subsequently, the second pixel defining layer PDL2 may be formed on thesecond pixel electrode PE2. The second pixel defining layer PDL2 may beformed using an organic insulating material having light-transmittingproperties. Then, the second pixel defining layer PDL2 may be partiallyremoved to form the second pixel opening OPD2 that exposes a portion ofthe second pixel electrode PE2. In an embodiment, the second pixelopening OPD2 of the second pixel defining layer PDL2 may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area BA in a plan view.That is, the second pixel defining layer PDL2 may be disposed in theform of an island pattern and overlap the first to third pixel areasPA1, PA2, and PA3, respectively, in a plan view.

The second light emitting layer EL2 may be formed in the second pixelopening OPD2 of the second pixel defining layer PDL2. In an embodiment,the second light emitting layer EL2 may have a shape corresponding to ashape of the light blocking area BA in a plan view. That is, the secondlight emitting layer EL2 may have a lattice shape surrounding each ofthe first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the second light emitting layer EL2 may be formedthrough a deposition process using a mask. In an embodiment, the secondlight emitting layer EL2 may be formed through various methods such asinkjet printing, laser induced thermal imaging (LITI), or the like.

FIGS. 10A to 10D are plan views illustrating an example of a method offorming the second light emitting layer EL2 of FIG. 8 . FIGS. 11A and11B are plan views illustrating an example of the method of forming thesecond light emitting layer EL2 of FIG. 8 . FIGS. 12A and 12B are planviews illustrating an example of the method of forming the second lightemitting layer EL2 of FIG. 8 . For example, each of FIGS. 10A to 12B maycorrespond to the plan view of FIG. 2 .

Hereinafter, embodiments in which the second light emitting layer EL2 isformed through a deposition process using a mask (for example, a finemetal mask) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10A to12B.

Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10D, according to an embodiment, the secondlight emitting layer EL2 may be formed by sequentially using two masksFMM1 and FMM2.

First, an organic light emitting material that emits the second lighthaving the second wavelength range may be deposited using the mask FMM1shown in FIG. 10A. A mask sheet MS1 of the mask FMM1 may have patterns(e.g., solid portions) which extend in a first diagonal direction, andmay have (or define) a plurality of through holes TH1 arranged in asecond diagonal direction intersecting the first diagonal direction. Thethrough holes TH1 may overlap a portion of the light blocking area BA ofthe display panel DP to allow the organic light emitting material topass therethrough. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10B, a preliminarysecond light emitting layer EL2 p that overlaps the portion of the lightblocking area BA may be formed.

Subsequently, the organic light emitting material may be deposited oncemore using the mask FMM2 shown in FIG. 10C. A mask sheet MS2 of the maskFMM2 may have patterns (e.g., solid portions) which extend in the seconddiagonal direction and may have a plurality of through holes TH2 thatare arranged along the first diagonal direction. The through holes TH2may overlap a portion of the light blocking area BA of the display panelDP to allow the organic light emitting material to pass therethrough.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10D, the second light emitting layer EL2that entirely overlaps the light blocking area BA may be formed.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, according to an embodiment, a secondlight emitting layer EL2′ may be formed using one mask FMM3.

A mask sheet MS3 of the mask FMM3 may include island patterns (e.g.,solid portions) that overlap each of the first to third pixel areas PA1,PA2, and PA3 of the display panel DP, bridges (e.g., solid portions)that connect adjacent island patterns to each other, and a plurality ofthrough holes TH3 that are arranged along the first diagonal direction.In an embodiment, the bridges may extend in the first diagonal directionand may have a narrow width in the second diagonal direction.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11B, a second light emitting layer EL2′substantially overlapping the light blocking area BA may be formed. Openportions (e.g., non-solid portions) of the second light emitting layerEL2′ may define separated (solid) portions each extending along thefirst diagonal direction.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, according to an embodiment, a secondlight emitting layer EL2″ may be formed using one mask FMM4.

A mask sheet MS4 of the mask FMM4 may include island patterns thatoverlap each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 of thedisplay panel DP, first and second bridges that connect adjacent islandpatterns to each other, and a plurality of enclosed through holes TH4that are defined by the solid portions (e.g., mask sheet MS4). In anembodiment, the first bridges may extend in the first diagonal directionand may have a narrow width in the second diagonal direction. The secondbridges may extend in the second diagonal direction and may have anarrow width in the first diagonal direction. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 12B, a second light emitting layer EL2″ substantially overlappingthe light blocking area BA may be formed. Open portions (e.g., non-solidportions) of the second light emitting layer EL2″ may define separated(solid) portions each as a discrete pattern.

Referring back to FIG. 9 , the second common electrode CE2 and thesecond encapsulation layer EC2 may be formed on the second lightemitting layer EL2 and the second pixel defining layer PDL2.

Then, the discoloration layer PL may be formed on the secondencapsulation layer EC2. In an embodiment, the discoloration layer PLmay have a shape corresponding to a shape of the light blocking area BAin a plan view. That is, the discoloration layer PL may have a latticeshape surrounding each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, andPA3 in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the discoloration layer PL may be entirely formed onthe second encapsulation layer EC2 by using an organic material such asa photoresist or the like and a photochromic material that is discoloredby the second light L2 (for example, an ultraviolet light) having thesecond wavelength range. Subsequently, the discoloration layer PL may bepartially removed to form the color-changeable layer opening OPP thatexposes each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3.

Next, the planarization layer OC and the second light blocking layer BL2may be formed on the discoloration layer PL, to complete the structureshown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating a display panel DPb accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 13 maycorrespond to the sectional view of FIG. 3 . In the followingdescription, the display panel DPb according to the present embodimentwill be described while focusing on differences from the display panelDP described with reference to FIG. 3 , and repeated descriptions willbe omitted or simplified.

Referring to FIG. 13 , according to an embodiment, the firstencapsulation layer EC1 b may have a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR)structure. For example, the first encapsulation layer EC1 b may have astructure in which more than one first inorganic encapsulation layerEC1-1 b and more than one second inorganic encapsulation layer EC1-2 bwhich have a refractive index different from that of the first inorganicencapsulation layer EC1-1 b are alternately stacked in a direction awayfrom the substrate SUB. For example, the first encapsulation layer EC1 bmay not include (e.g., may exclude) an organic encapsulation layerEC1-2.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating a display panel DPc accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 14 maycorrespond to the sectional view of FIG. 3 . In the followingdescription, the display panel DPc according to the present embodimentwill be described while focusing on differences from the display panelDP described with reference to FIG. 3 , and repeated descriptions willbe omitted or simplified.

Referring to FIGS. 14 , according to an embodiment, a second pixeldefining layer PDL2 c may have a first opening OPD2-1 c and a secondopening OPD2-2 c. The first opening OPD2-1 c may expose a portion of thesecond pixel electrode PE2, and the second opening OPD2-2 c may exposeeach of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3. For example,the second pixel defining layer PDL2 c may be respectively disposed at aboundary between each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, andPA3, and the light blocking area BA. That is, the second pixel defininglayer PDL2 c may have a band shape surrounding each of the first tothird pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the second common electrode CE2 c may be provided inplural including a plurality of common electrodes patterns of a commonelectrode layer, which define a common electrode opening that exposeseach of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 to outside ofthe common electrode layer. That is, the second common electrode CE2 cmay have a shape corresponding to a shape of the light blocking area BAin a plan view. In other words, the second common electrode CE2 c mayhave a lattice shape surrounding each of the first to third pixel areasPA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view.

According to the present embodiment, the second pixel defining layerPDL2 c and the second common electrode CE2 c may expose at least aportion of each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3.Accordingly, the transmittance of the first light emitted from the firstlight emitting layer EL1 may be improved.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating a display panel DPd accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 15 maycorrespond to the sectional view of FIG. 3 . In the followingdescription, the display panel DPd according to the present embodimentwill be described while focusing on differences from the display panelDP described with reference to FIG. 3 , and repeated descriptions willbe omitted or simplified.

Referring to FIG. 15 , according to an embodiment, a second lightemitting device LED2 d may be disposed on the substantially same layeras the first light emitting device LED1. As being on a same layer,elements may be formed in a same process and/or as including a samematerial, elements may be in a same layer as each other as respectiveportions of a same material layer, may be on a same layer by forming aninterface with a same underlying or overlying layer, etc., without beinglimited thereto. That is, the second light emitting device LED2 d may bedisposed between the insulating structure IL and the first encapsulationlayer EC1. The first light emitting device LED1 may include the firstpixel electrode PE1, the first light emitting layer ELL and the firstcommon electrode CE1, and the second light emitting device LED2 d mayinclude a second pixel electrode PE2 d, a second light emitting layerEL2 d, and a second common electrode CE2 d.

The first pixel electrode PE1 may be disposed on the insulatingstructure IL. The first pixel electrode PE1 may include a conductivematerial. In an embodiment, the plurality of first pixel electrodes PE1may be disposed in the form of an island pattern and may overlap thefirst to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3, respectively, in a planview.

The second pixel electrode PE2 d may be disposed on the insulatingstructure IL while being spaced apart from the first pixel electrode PE1in a direction along the substrate SUB. The second pixel electrode PE2 dmay be disposed on the substantially same layer as the first pixelelectrode PE1. That is, the second pixel electrode PE2 d may include thesame material as the first pixel electrode PE1 and may be formedsubstantially simultaneously with the first pixel electrode PE1.

In an embodiment, the second pixel electrode PE2 d may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area BA in a plan view.That is, the second pixel electrode PE2 d may have a lattice shapesurrounding each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 ina plan view.

In an embodiment, a conductive layer may be formed on the insulatingstructure IL. Next, a portion of the conductive layer overlapping aboundary between each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, andPA3 and the light blocking area BA may be removed from the conductivelayer so that the first pixel electrode PE1 having a shape of an islandpattern in a plan view and a second pixel electrode PE2 d having alattice shape surrounding the first pixel electrode PE1 while beingspaced apart from the first pixel electrode PE1 (for example, a latticeshape surrounding each of the island patterns while being spaced apartfrom the island patterns) may be simultaneously formed.

The first pixel defining layer PDL1 d may be disposed on the first pixelelectrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 d. In an embodiment,the first pixel defining layer PDL1 d may have a first opening OPD1-1 dand a second opening OPD1-2 d. The first opening OPD1-1 d may expose aportion of the first pixel electrode PE1, and the second opening OPD1-2d may expose a portion of the second pixel electrode PE2 d. For example,the first pixel defining layer PDL1 d may be disposed at the boundarybetween each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 and thelight blocking area BA. That is, the first pixel defining layer PDL1 dmay have a band shape surrounding each of the first to third pixel areasPA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view.

The first light emitting layer EL1 may be disposed on the first pixelelectrode PE1. The first light emitting layer EL1 may be disposed on theportion of the first pixel electrode PE1 exposed by the first openingOPD1-1 d of the first pixel defining layer PDL1 d. That is, the firstlight emitting layer EL1 may overlap each of the first to third pixelareas PA1, PA2, and PA3. The first light emitting layer EL1 may includean organic light emitting material that emits the first light (forexample, L1 of FIG. 6A) having the first wavelength range.

The second light emitting layer EL2 d may be disposed on the secondpixel electrode PE2 d. The second light emitting layer EL2 d may bedisposed on the portion of the second pixel electrode PE2 d exposed bythe second opening OPD1-2 d of the first pixel defining layer PDL1 d.That is, the second light emitting layer EL2 d may overlap the lightblocking area BA while being spaced apart from the first light emittinglayers EL1. The second light emitting layer EL2 d may include an organiclight emitting material that emits the second light (for example, L2 ofFIG. 6B) having the second wavelength range.

The first common electrode CE1 may be disposed on the first lightemitting layer EL1, and the second common electrode CE2 d may bedisposed on the second light emitting layer EL2 d. In an embodiment, thefirst common electrode CE1 and the second common electrode CE2 d may beintegrally formed.

In an embodiment, the first light emitting device LED1 may be an activematrix type, and the second light emitting device LED2 d may be apassive matrix type. In an embodiment, each of the first light emittingdevice LED1 and the second light emitting device LED2 d may be an activematrix type. In this case, a driving transistor (not shown) thatcontrols the second light emitting device LED2 d may be further disposedbetween the substrate SUB and the insulating structure IL.

The first encapsulation layer EC1 may cover the first light emittingdevice LED1 and the second light emitting device LED2 d. The firstencapsulation layer EC1 may entirely overlap the first to third pixelareas PA1, PA2, and PA3 and the light blocking area BA.

In an embodiment, the first encapsulation layer EC1 may have a structurein which at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer arestacked. For example, the first encapsulation layer EC1 may have astructure in which the first inorganic encapsulation layer EC1-1, theorganic encapsulation layer EC1-2, and the second inorganicencapsulation layer EC1-3 are alternately stacked.

A first light blocking layer BL1 d may be disposed on the firstencapsulation layer EC1. In an embodiment, the first light blockinglayer BL1 d may include a first light blocking layer opening OPB1 d anda second light blocking layer opening OPB2 d. The first light blockinglayer opening OPB1 d of the first light blocking layer BL1 d maycorrespond to the first opening OPD1-1 d of the first pixel defininglayer PDL1 d, and the second light blocking layer opening OPB2 d of thefirst light blocking layer BL1 d may correspond to the second openingOPD1-2 d of the first pixel defining layer PDL1 d. That is, the firstlight blocking layer BL1 d may expose each of the first light emittinglayer EL1 and the second light emitting layer EL2 d. The first lightemitted from the first light emitting layer EL1 may travel in the upwarddirection (for example, to the color-changeable layer opening OPP of thediscoloration layer PL) by passing through the first light blockinglayer opening OPB1 d of the first light blocking layer BL1 d. The secondlight emitted from the second light emitting layer EL2 d may travel inthe upward direction (for example, toward the discoloration layer PL) bypassing through the second light blocking layer opening OPB2 d of thefirst light blocking layer BL1 d.

In an embodiment, the first light blocking layer BL1 d may have a shapecorresponding to that of the first pixel defining layer PDL1 d in a planview. For example, the first light blocking layer BL1 d may be disposedat a boundary between each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2,and PA3 and the light blocking area BA. That is, the first lightblocking layer BL1 d may have a band shape surrounding each of the firstto third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view.

A first planarization layer OC1 d that covers the first light blockinglayer BL1 d may be disposed on the first encapsulation layer EC1. Thefirst planarization layer OC1 d may include an organic material. Thefirst planarization layer OC1 d may provide a substantially flat topsurface, and may form a predetermined gap between the first lightblocking layer BL1 d and the discoloration layer PL along the thicknessdirection.

The discoloration layer PL may be disposed on the first planarizationlayer OC1 d. The discoloration layer PL may include a photochromicmaterial that is discolored by the second light L2 having the secondwavelength range. The discoloration layer PL may overlap the secondlight blocking layer opening OPB2 d of the first light blocking layerBL1 d. That is, the discoloration layer PL may overlap the second lightemitting layer EL2 d. The discoloration layer PL may be discolored bythe second light that is emitted from the second light emitting layerEL2 d and pass through the second light blocking layer opening OPB2 d ofthe first light blocking layer BL1 d.

In an embodiment, the discoloration layer PL may have a shapecorresponding to a shape of the light blocking area BA in a plan view.That is, the discoloration layer PL may have a lattice shape surroundingeach of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 in a plan view.The discoloration layer PL may have a color-changeable layer opening OPPthat exposes each of the first to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3.The color-changeable layer opening OPP of the discoloration layer PL maycorrespond to the first opening OPD1-1 d of the first pixel defininglayer PDL1 d and the first light blocking layer opening OPB1 d of thefirst light blocking layer BL1 d.

A second planarization layer OC2 d that covers the first light blockinglayer BL1 d may be disposed on the first planarization layer OC1 d. Thesecond planarization layer OC2 d may provide a substantially flat topsurface. The second light blocking layer BL2 may be disposed on thesecond planarization layer OC2 d.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 900according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16 , according to an embodiment, an electronic device900 may include a processor 910, a memory device 920, a storage device930, an input/output (I/O) device 940, a power supply 950, and a displaydevice 960. In this case, the display device 960 may correspond to anyone of the display panel DP of FIG. 3 , the display panel DPb of FIG. 13, the display panel DPc of FIG. 14 , and the display panel DPd of FIG.15 . The electronic device 900 may further include various ports capableof communicating with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a USBdevice, or the like.

The processor 910 may perform specific calculations or tasks. In anembodiment, the processor 910 may be a microprocessor, a centralprocessing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like. Theprocessor 910 may be connected to other components through an addressbus, a control bus, a data bus, or the like. In an embodiment, theprocessor 910 may also be coupled to an expansion bus, such as aperipheral component interconnect (PCI) bus.

The memory device 920 may store data required for the operation of theelectronic device 900. For example, the memory device 920 may includenon-volatile memory devices such as an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a PRAM (PRAM) device, aphase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistance randomaccess memory (RRAM) device, a nano floating gate memory (NFGM) device,a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random accessmemory (MRAM) device, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM)device, or the like and/or volatile memory devices such as a dynamicrandom access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM)device, a mobile DRAM device, or the like.

The storage device 930 may include a solid state drive (SSD), a harddisk drive (HDD), a CD-ROM, or the like. The input/output device 940 mayinclude input devices such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch pad, a touchscreen, a mouse, or the like and output devices such as a speaker and aprinter.

The power supply 950 may supply power required for the operation of theelectronic device 900. The display device 960 may be connected to othercomponents through buses or other communication links. According to anembodiment, the display device 960 may be included in the input/outputdevice 940.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an example in which the electronic device900 of FIG. 16 is implemented as a smartphone. FIG. 18 is an explodedperspective view of the electronic device 900 of FIG. 17 .

Referring to FIG. 17 , according to an embodiment, the electronic device900 may be implemented as a smartphone. However, the electronic device900 may not be limited thereto, and for example, the electronic device900 may be implemented as a television, a mobile phone, a video phone, asmart pad, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a vehicle navigation, a computermonitor, a notebook computer, a head mounted display (HMD), a kiosk, orthe like. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the electronic device 900is implemented as a smartphone will be described in more detail withreference to FIGS. 17 and 18 .

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18 , according to an embodiment, theelectronic device 900 may include a window WM, a set module, and ahousing HU. The set module may include a display panel DP, an opticalfilm POL, an adhesive layer ADL, a circuit board DC, and a protectivelayer PTL. The window WM and the housing HU may be combined to definethe external appearance of the electronic device 900.

The display panel DP may display an image. The display panel DP may bedriven in the first mode for implementing a wide viewing angle or thesecond mode for implementing a narrow viewing angle. The display panelDP may correspond to any one of the display panel DP of FIG. 3 , thedisplay panel DPb of FIG. 13 , the display panel DPc of FIG. 14 , andthe display panel DP d of FIG. 15 .

The circuit board DC may be connected to the display panel DP. Thecircuit board DC may include a flexible circuit board CF and a maincircuit board MB. The flexible circuit board CF may include aninsulating film and conductive wires which are mounted on the insulatingfilm. The conductive wires may be connected to the pads PD toelectrically connect the circuit board DC and the display panel DP. Forexample, the flexible circuit board CF may be bent in a downwarddirection of the display panel DP. Accordingly, the main circuit boardMB may be disposed under the display panel DP (for example, under theprotective layer PTL) so that the main circuit board MB may beaccommodated in a space provided by the housing HU.

The main circuit board MB may include signal lines and electronicelements. For example, the main circuit board MB may include the firstdriving unit and the second driving unit described above. The firstdriving unit may generate the driving signal for controlling theoperation of the first light emitting device LED1 and provide thedriving signal to the display panel DP. The second driving unit maygenerate the driving signal for controlling the operation of the secondlight emitting device LED2 and provide the driving signal to the displaypanel DP.

The window WM may be disposed on the display panel DP to cover a frontsurface IS of the display panel DP. The window WM may havelight-transmitting properties. For example, the window WM may include aresin film such as polyimide or ultra-thin glass.

The window WM may include a front surface FS exposed to the outside ofthe electronic device 900. The front (display) surface of the electronicdevice 900 may be substantially defined by the front surface FS of thewindow WM. The front surface FS of the window WM may include atransmission area TA corresponding to the display area DA and a bezelarea BZA which corresponds to the non-display area NDA.

In an embodiment, the window WM may selectively block the second lightL2 having the second wavelength range. That is, the window WM maytransmit the first light L1 having the first wavelength range. In thiscase, the window WM may prevent the second light L2, which is emittedfrom the second light emitting device LED2 of the display panel DP, frombeing emitted to the outside of the electronic device 900. For example,the window WM may have a structure in which a blocking material such asmetal oxide particles or benzoxazine particles is dispersed in a resinfilm. In the present embodiment, the second light blocking layer BL2 ofthe display panel DP may be omitted.

The optical film POL may be disposed between the window WM and thedisplay panel DP. The optical film POL may prevent or reduce reflectionof an external light incident through the window WM. In an embodiment,the optical film POL may include a polarizing film or a color filter.

The adhesive layer ADL may be disposed between the optical film POL andthe window WM. The adhesive layer ADL may have light-transmittingproperties.

The protective layer PTL may be disposed under the display panel DP. Theprotective layer PTL may include various layers for protecting thedisplay panel DP from external impact. For example, the protective layerPTL may include a cushion layer having a foam shape, a light blockinglayer, a heat dissipation layer, a support layer, or the like.

The present disclosure can be applied to various display devices. Forexample, the present disclosure is applicable to various display devicessuch as display devices for vehicles, ships and aircrafts, portablecommunication devices, display devices for exhibition or informationtransmission, medical display devices, or the like.

Although it has been described with reference to embodiments of thepresent disclosure, it will be understood to those skilled in the artthat various modifications and variations are possible without departingfrom the idea and scope of the present disclosure described in theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display panel comprising: a display areaincluding a pixel area, and a light blocking area which is adjacent tothe pixel area; a first light emitting element which is in the pixelarea of the display area and emits a light having a first wavelengthrange; a second light emitting element which is in the light blockingarea of the display area and emits a light having a second wavelengthrange different from the first wavelength range; and a discolorationlayer which is on the second light emitting element and iscolor-changeable by the light having the second wavelength range, thediscoloration layer defining a first opening exposing the pixel area tooutside the discoloration layer.
 2. The display panel of claim 1,wherein the light blocking area of the display area, and thediscoloration layer, each has a planar shape, and the planar shape ofthe discoloration layer corresponds to the planar shape of the lightblocking area.
 3. The display panel of claim 1, further comprising afirst encapsulation layer which covers the first light emitting elementand is between the first light emitting element and the second lightemitting element.
 4. The display panel of claim 3, wherein within thedisplay area: the first light emitting element which is in the pixelarea, is an active matrix type, and the second light emitting elementwhich is in the light blocking area, is a passive matrix type.
 5. Thedisplay panel of claim 3, wherein within the display area: the firstlight emitting element includes a first pixel electrode, a first lightemitting layer and a first common electrode, the second light emittingelement includes a second pixel electrode, a second light emitting layerand a second common electrode, the light blocking area of the displayarea, and the second light emitting layer, each has a planar shape, andthe planar shape of the second light emitting layer corresponds to theplanar shape of the light blocking area.
 6. The display panel of claim5, wherein the second pixel electrode has a planar shape, and the planarshape of the second pixel electrode corresponds to the planar shape ofthe light blocking area.
 7. The display panel of claim 5, wherein thesecond common electrode overlaps an entirety of the pixel area and thelight blocking area.
 8. The display panel of claim 5, wherein the secondcommon electrode has a planar shape, and the planar shape of the secondcommon electrode corresponds to the planar shape of the light blockingarea.
 9. The display panel of claim 5, further comprising in order alonga thickness direction of the display panel: the first pixel electrode; afirst pixel defining layer defining an opening exposing the first pixelelectrode to outside the first pixel defining layer; the firstencapsulation layer; the second pixel electrode; and a second pixeldefining layer defining an opening exposing the second pixel electrodeto outside the second pixel defining layer.
 10. The display panel ofclaim 9, wherein the second pixel defining layer overlaps the pixel areaof the display area, and has a light-transmitting property.
 11. Thedisplay panel of claim 9, wherein the second pixel defining layerfurther defines an opening corresponding to the first opening defined bythe discoloration layer.
 12. The display panel of claim 3, wherein thefirst encapsulation layer includes an inorganic encapsulation layer andan organic encapsulation layer.
 13. The display panel of claim 3,wherein the first encapsulation layer includes a first inorganicencapsulation layer having a refractive index, and a second inorganicencapsulation layer having a refractive index different from therefractive index of the first inorganic encapsulation layer.
 14. Thedisplay panel of claim 3, further comprising: a first light blockinglayer between the first encapsulation layer and the second lightemitting element, the first light blocking layer defining a secondopening corresponding to the first opening defined by the discolorationlayer.
 15. The display panel of claim 14, wherein each of the firstopening defined by the discoloration layer and the second openingdefined by the first light blocking layer has a width, and the width ofthe first opening is equal to the width of the second opening.
 16. Thedisplay panel of claim 14, wherein each of the first opening defined bythe discoloration layer and the second opening defined by the firstlight blocking layer has a width, and the width of the first opening issmaller than the width of the second opening.
 17. The display panel ofclaim 3, further comprising: a second encapsulation layer which coversthe second light emitting element and is between the second lightemitting element and the discoloration layer.
 18. The display panel ofclaim 1, wherein within the display area, the second light emittingelement which is in the light blocking area, is in a same layer as thefirst light emitting element which is in the pixel area.
 19. The displaypanel of claim 18, wherein within the display area, the first lightemitting element which is in the pixel area is an active matrix type,and the second light emitting element which is in the light blockingarea is a passive matrix type.
 20. The display panel of claim 18,wherein within the display area, each of the first light emittingelement which is in the pixel area and the second light emitting elementwhich is in the light blocking area, is an active matrix type.
 21. Thedisplay panel of claim 18, wherein within the display area: the firstlight emitting element includes a first pixel electrode, a first lightemitting layer corresponds to the pixel area, and a first commonelectrode, and the second light emitting element includes a second pixelelectrode, a second light emitting layer which corresponds to the lightblocking area and is spaced apart from the first light emitting layer,and a second common electrode.
 22. The display panel of claim 21,further comprising in order along a thickness direction of the displaypanel: the first light emitting element and the second light emittingelement which are in the same layer as each other; a first encapsulationlayer which covers the first light emitting element and the second lightemitting element; a first light blocking layer which exposes each of thefirst light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer tooutside the first light blocking layer; a planarization layer whichcovers the first light blocking layer; and the discoloration layer whichoverlaps the second light emitting layer defines the first openingcorresponding to the first light emitting layer.
 23. The display panelof claim 1, further comprising: a second light blocking layer which isfurther from the first light emitting element and the second lightemitting element, than the discoloration layer, transmits the lighthaving the first wavelength range and blocks the light having the secondwavelength range.
 24. The display panel of claim 1, wherein thediscoloration layer which is color-unchanged one of transmits and blocksat the light blocking area of the display area, and the discolorationlayer which is color-changed blocks and transmits light at the lightblocking area of the display area, respectively.
 25. A display panelcomprising: a display area including a pixel area, and a light blockingarea which is adjacent to the pixel area; a first light emitting elementwhich is in the pixel area of the display area and emits a light havinga first wavelength range, the first light emitting element including afirst pixel electrode, a first common electrode facing the first pixelelectrode, and a first light emitting layer between the first pixelelectrode and the first common electrode; a second light emittingelement which is in the light blocking area of the display area andemits a light having a second wavelength range different from the firstwavelength range, the second light emitting element including a secondpixel electrode, a second common electrode facing the second pixelelectrode, and a second light emitting layer between the second pixelelectrode and the second common electrode; and a discoloration layerwhich is on the second light emitting element and is color-changeable bythe light having the second wavelength range, the discoloration layerdefining an opening exposing the pixel area to outside the discolorationlayer.
 26. An electronic device comprising: a display panel whichdisplays an image at a front surface of the display panel; a circuitboard which is connected to the display panel and controls an operationof the display panel; a window which covers the front surface of thedisplay panel; and a housing in which the display panel is accommodated,wherein the display panel includes: a display area including a pixelarea, and a light blocking area which is adjacent to the pixel area; afirst light emitting element which is in the pixel area of the displayarea and emits a light having a first wavelength range; a second lightemitting element which is in the light blocking area of the display areaand emits a light having a second wavelength range different from thefirst wavelength range; and a discoloration layer which is on the secondlight emitting element and is color-changeable by the light having thesecond wavelength range, the discoloration layer defining an openingexposing the pixel area to outside the discoloration layer.
 27. Theelectronic device of claim 26, wherein the circuit board includes: afirst driving unit which controls an operation of the first lightemitting element, and a second driving unit which controls an operationof the second light emitting element.
 28. The electronic device of claim26, wherein the window transmits the light having the first wavelengthrange and blocks the light having the second wavelength range.